Spindle mounted flange

ABSTRACT

An axially movable flange mounted on a rotatable spindle and arranged for rotation about a centrally located stationary support. The flange is connected to reciprocating means to move the flange axially with respect to the support while rotating on the spindle. A reversible motor is provided to drive the reciprocating means in the desired direction. Touch type control means rotatable with the flange and its associated structure operates the reversible motor. Power for the above operations is supplied by batteries. The voltage level of the batteries is maintained by a generator and voltage regulator to make the unit completely self-contained.

United States Patent Austin et al.

[451 Apr. 25, 1972 l 54] SPINDLE MOUNTED FLANGE [72] Inventors: Richard C. Austin; Robert A. Traub, both of Rochester, N.Y.; Joseph S. Rengert, deceased, late of Rochester, N.Y. by Helen M. Rengert, Executiix, Rochester, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,

[22] Filed: May 18, 1970 [2!] Appl. No.: 38,282

[52] US. Cl ..242/67.l,242/7l.9 [51] lnt.Cl ..B65h 17/02 [58] Field otSearch ..242/67.1, 71.8 A; 53/54, 112

[ 5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,081,960 v3/1963 Howe ..242/71.8A 2,924,921 l/l960 Wallace ..53/54 2,940,232 6/1960 Wallace et al. ..5 3/ l 12 Primary Examiner-Stanley N. Gilreath Assistant Examiner-Gregory A. Walters Attorney-Walter O. Hodsdon and Spencer L. Blaylock 57 ABSTRACT ture operates the reversible motor. Power for the above operations is supplied by batteries. The voltage level of the batteries is maintained by a generator and voltage regulator to make the unit completely self-contained.

13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEBAPMB I972 3, 658.271

SHEET 10F 5 ROBE/-77 A. THAUB F/G RICHARD c. Ausrnv 2 JOSEPH s. RENGERT, deceased by HELEN M. REIVGERT EXECUTR/X IN'VENTORS A TTORIVEYS PATENTEMPR 25 1972 3, 658,271

sum 3 0F 5 v [liH ROBERT A TRAUB RICHARD C. AUSTIN JOSEPH 5. RENG'ERT,

4 M deceased by HELEN M. REN6ERT,EXECUTR/X INVENTORS ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAPMSIQH 3,658,271

SHEET 0F 5 Mm vomaas REG. Pc/4a //6 ;L,. HQ 6 8 m9 ac GEN. ROBERT A. mAua 'R/CHARD c AUSTIN JOSEPH s. REN6;RT, decease by HELEN M. RENGERT,XECU7'R/X INVENTORS I I BY 4W ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAP TO MOTOR 78 ROBERT A. TRAUB RICHARD c. AUSTIN JOSEPH s. REA/65R: deceased by HELEN M. RE/VGERT, EXE CU TR/X INVENTORS A TTOR/VEYS SPINDLE MOUNTED FLANGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the manufacture of photographic film the film is coated with an emulsion, dried and wound on a core or spool supported on spindles, all of which takes place in the dark. During the manufacturing process the film is wound and unwound several times and may telescope over the lower wrap of film. In some instances the film is provided with a small bead which, during the winding or unwinding, may tend to roll over the bead of the lower wrap of film with more severe telescoping of the film on the roll. Telescoping of the film may damage it requiring that it be removed thereby increasing cost of operation.

Various means have been suggested to hold the film in proper alignment to prevent telescoping and consequent damage to the film. These devices have proven difficult to control and require that the winder or unwinder spindle be at a standstill while adjustments are made. Such are not satisfactory because the starting and stopping of the film may generate scratches on the film surface which must be removed. Other devices have not been satisfactory because of the difficulty the operators have in operating them in the dark.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a selfpowered machine mounted flange for the winder and unwinder of a film coating machine. A further object of this invention is to provide an axially movable flange for a film winder and unwinder spindle that may be moved by the operator without stopping the winder or unwinder. Another object of this invention is to provide a spindle mounted flange which may be moved while the film is being wound or unwound on the spindle. Another object of this invention is to provide a self-contained power operated flange that is movable axially with respect to a film winding or unwinding spindle. An additional object of this invention is to provide a self-contained, power operated flange that the operator may move axially with respect to the film by touching a rotating flange apparatus, thereby actuating means to move the flange into contact with or near to the edge of the film or away from the edge of the film while the flange, associated structure and film is continuing to rotate.

These and other objects of this invention are obtained by rotatably mounting a flange on the film winder or unwinder. The flange is movably secured to the rotating spindle of the winder or unwinder and is rotatable about a stationary support through which the spindle extends. A housing carried by the spindle contains power means to operate a motor which in turn operates means to move the flange axially with respect to the spindle. The motor is reversible and is controlled by a 1 touch plate circuit which, when one side of the touch plate is touched by the operator, runs the motor in one direction to move the flange toward the film being wound on the spool or core supported on the spindles and when touched on the other side, rotates the motor in the opposite direction to retract the flange away from the film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation view with portions broken away of the self-contained, power operated flange of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is schematic electrical wiring diagram illustrating the wiring for this invention;

FIG. 6 is an electrical wiring diagram for the flange; and FIG. 7 is an electrical wiring diagram of the touch plate circuitry.

5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the winding or unwinding of film, the film is wound around an elongated core. The core is supported at its ends by retractable and rotatable spindles which spindles are supported by stationary supports within which the spindles rotate.

Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 denotes a spindle flange for a film coating winder or unwinder (not shown). The spindle flange 10 is a substantially flat disc having a central opening 12. The flange 10 is formed from any suitable material that will provide the desired strength and rigidity, such as, for example, a thermosetting plastic, aluminum, or glass fiber reinforced plastic. The flange 10 is supported about one end of the rotatable spindle 14 which extends through the central opening 12 and which forms part of the film winder.

In order to support the flange, a tapered bushing 16 is affixed to the rotatable spindle 14 as by a key. The key is held in place and proper spacing between the spindle 14 and the core (not shown) of the winder is maintained by a collar spacer ring 20 secured by screws 22 to the hub 21 of a flange mounting ring 24. The flange mounting ring 24 is secured by screws 26 to the hub 21 and it serves as a support for the structure associated with the spindle flange 10 that moves it axially with respect to the spindle 14.

The flange mounting ring 24 is a machined metal body having a central opening 28 of a diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the hub 21. Three openings 30 are provided in the flange mounting ring 24 and they are positioned l20 from each other around the periphery of the mounting ring 24. Other combinations of openings 30 may be provided if desired to accommodate changes in design as will be apparent from a further reading of the description.

In order to move the spindle flange l0 axially with respect to the spindle 14, a plurality of screw assemblies 32 are carried by the flange mounting ring 24. The screw assemblies are located at each opening 30 and they are secured to the mounting ring 24 by any conventional means such as welding. The screw assemblies 32 are contained within cylindrical housings 36. Each housing 36 is provided with a bushing 38 whose central opening 40 is aligned with the appropriate associated opening 30, and each opening 40 is of substantially the same diameter as the opening 30. The bushings 38 are retained within each housing 36 by an annular washer 42.

A flange support sleeve 44 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is cylindrical in configuration, and is secured to the flange 10 at each opening as by screws affixed to the end portion 48 of the sleeve 44. The sleeve 44 is slidably received within its associated opening 30 in the flange mounting ring 24 and the opening 40 in the bushing 38. The other end 50 of each of the flange support sleeves 44 is affixed to a nut 52 rotatably positioned on an elongated screw 54 in such fashion that rotation of the screw 54 moves the nut along the same. A stop washer 56 is provided on one end 58 of the screw 54 to serve as a stop for the nut 52.

In order to rotate the screw 54, it carries at its other end 60 a driven sprocket 62 in such fashion that rotation of the driven sprocket 62 in either direction causes the screw to rotate in the same direction. The screw 54 is rotatable in a bearing 66 carried by the flange drive cover plate 68. The cover plate 68 is fastened to the end 70 of the housing 36 opposite the flange 10 by screws 72 and the cover plate 68 is located between the nut 52 and the driven sprocket 62.

In the preferred embodiment, three driven sprockets 62 are provided and they are driven by an endless chain 74 in a manner to be explained hereinafter. Other combinations of sprockets 62 may be utilized with equal facility. The three driven sprockets 62 and three screw assemblies 32 are spaced at equal distances from each other around the periphery of the flange mounting ring 24. Operating each sprocket in conjunction with the other sprockets insures even movement of the spindle flange axially of the spindle 14.

The chain 74 is driven by a drive sprocket 76 (FIGS. 1 and 4) in turn driven by an electric motor 78. The motor 78 is reversible and the controls and electrical circuitry for its operation will be explained hereinafter. The motor 78 is supported on the flange mounting ring 24 by a drive unit mounting base 80 which also supports the drive sprocket 76. The motor 78 is connected to a drive pulley 82 by conventional gearing (not shown). A drive belt 84 connects the drive pulley 82 to a driven pulley 86 which is in turn connected to the drive sprocket 76 by a drive shaft and clutch assembly 88.

The drive shaft and clutch assembly 88 includes an inner drive shaft 90 rotatably mounted in the mounting base 80 in a bearing 92 and connected at one end to the driven pulley 86 and at the other end to a clutch 94. An outer drive shaft 96 connects the clutch 94 to the drive sprocket 76 and the outer drive shaft 96 is rotatably supported in a bearing 98 carried by a support 100.

To insure that the chain 74 is maintained under the proper tension, the chain is trained partially around three adjustable idler sprockets 102 which are spaced approximately 120 apart around the periphery of the flange mounting ring 24. Each idler sprocket 102 is eccentrically supported on an idler shaft 104 rotatable in a bearing 106 and affixed to a mounting 108v The eccentric sprockets 102 serve to maintain the proper tension on the chain 74 and synchronization of screws 54 thereby insuring that flange 10 moves evenly.

Referring now to the electrical system to operate this device, reference should be had specifically to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Electrical energy to drive the motor 78 is provided by a plurality of batteries 110 arranged in groups in battery cartridges 112. In the preferred embodiment, two cartridges containing three batteries each and one cartridge containing four are secured to the flange mounting ring 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the three cartridges are located about the periphery of the ring 24 and the batteries are 1.25 volt, 7 amp nickelcadmium batteries connected in series.

When first installed or at any other time the batteries may, if required, be charged by a conventional battery charger connected to the batteries through conventional circuitry (FIG. 5) by way of the phone jack 116. The charge on the batteries 110 is thereafter maintained by a rotary generator 1 18 such as a l2-volt D.C., one-half amp, 2,000 rpm generator. The generator 118 is held in place on the flange mounting ring 24 by a mounting base 120 affixed to the ring by screws 122.

In order to drive the generator 118, a shaft 124 extends downwardly from the generator and the shaft 124 is connected to a driven pulley 126 driven by a driven belt 128. The driven belt 128 is driven by a drive pulley 130 rotatably supported by a shaft 132 rotatable in a bearing 134 carried by the mounting base 120. A driven pulley 136 is also secured to the shaft 132 and the pulley 136 is driven by a drive belt 138 driven by a drive pulley 140.

The drive pulley 140 is supported on one end of a drive shaft 142 rotating in bearings carried by a pivot arm 146 pivotally supported on shaft 132. A drive wheel 148 is affixed to the drive shaft 142 whereby rotation of the drive wheel 148 rotates the drive shaft 142, the drive pulley 140, the drive belt 138, the driven pulley 136, the shaft 132, the drive pulley 130, the driven belt 128, the driven pulley 126, the shaft 124, and the generator 118. The drive wheel 148 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is driven by being forced into contact with the generator drive flange 150 by the pivot arm 146. The pivot arm 146 is biased toward the flange 150 by a spring loaded plunger 151 carried by the base 120. The generator drive flange 150 is stationary and secured as by screws 152 to the stationary housing 154 of the winder, unwinder (not shown). Rotation of the flange mounting ring 24 in either direction by the spindle 14 causes the drive wheel 148 to rotate, thereby rotating, as shown above, the generator 118.

In order to prevent accidental operation of the motor 78, a rotatable on-off switch 156 is provided in the electrical circuit (FIGS. 5, 6, and 7) between the batteries and the motor controls. With the switch 156 in the on" position, the motor is controlled by two relays 158 and 160. Relay 158, when energized, permits the flow of additional energy to the right side 162 of the motor 78 with the current having a polarity causing the motor to rotate counterclockwise (FIG. 6), thereby rotating the drive sprocket 76 in the same direction. This results in movement of the flange support shafts 44 to the left in FIG. 2 thereby moving the spindle flange 10 in the same direction toward the dotted line position. When relay is energized, it permits the flow of additional energy to the left side 164 of the motor 78 and reversing the polarity causing the motor to rotate in the clockwise direction resulting in similar rotation of the drive sprocket 76 with the attendant movement of the spindle flange toward the right as in FIG. 2.

The relays 158 and 160 are controlled through conventional circuitry illustrated schematically as printed circuit 166 (FIG. 7) and by touch plate contact ring pairs 168 and 170. The touch plate contact ring pairs 168 and 170 are circular capacitance type which couple energy to the control circuit when one pair 168 or 170 are touched by the operator. These ring pairs are mounted on opposite sides of a housing ring 172 affixed to a protective cover 174 for the apparatus of this invention. The ring pairs 168 and 170 are connected through connectors 176 to the control circuit for relays 158 and 160, respectively. Thus completing the circuit across contact ring pair 168 energizes relay 158 to rotate the motor 78 counterclockwise. As long as contact is maintained, the motor will operate until the flange support shaft 44 reaches the stop washer; then the load on the sprocket 62 will cause clutch 94 to slip, preventing damage to the motor 78. 1f the ring pair 170 is contacted, then relay 160 is energized to rotate the motor 78 in the clockwise direction. In the event that both ring pairs 168 and 170 are simultaneously contacted, the relays 158 and 160 are interlocked in such fashion that only relay 160 will operate the motor.

The circuitry for controlling the relays 158 and 160 comprises an oscillator 180 which is connected to the contact ring pairs 168 and 170. The oscillator is connected to the relays 158 and 160 by way of amplifiers 182 and 184, respectively, in such fashion that when either of the radial ring pairs 168 or 170 is bridged by finger pressure, the oscillator 180 energy is coupled to an amplifier 182 or 184 to actuate the appropriate relay 158 or 160.

In assembling the flange, the generator drive flange 150 is bolted or otherwise secured to the stationary support 154. The spindle flange 10, flange mounting ring 24, and associated structure are then mounted on the spindle 14. The connector 176 is connected and the radial housing ring 172 is placed on the cover 174. The batteries 110 are then charged by the battery charger (not shown) connected to the batteries through the phone jack 116. To prevent overload on the batteries, a voltage regulator 178 is connected to the generator 118.

The spindle flange is now ready for operation. During startup of the winding, the operator will place his finger across contact ring pair 168 to actuate the relay 158 to drive the motor counterclockwise in turn moving the flange to the left until the flange reaches the film edge. The flange movement stops when the motor 78 stops driving the chain 74 and screw assemblies 32. To retract the flange when changing rolls, the operator merely places his finger across contact ring pair 170, thereby actuating relay 160 and driving the motor clockwise, in turn moving the flange to the right until it reaches the fully retracted position.

This invention has been described with reference to a flange for a spindle of a film winder or unwinder. It should be understood that this movable flange may be used where telescoping of continuous flexible elements is possible as in the winding of wire or cable. It may also be used whereever edge control or alignment is desired.

This invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A reciprocable flange assembly comprising; a stationary support having a central axis;

a spindle rotatable about said axis;

a flange supported on said spindle;

means for rotating said flange about said axis,

means carried by said flange and rotating therewith for moving said flange longitudinally with respect to said spindle, and manually operated electrical control means to operate said moving means.

2. An axially movable flange assembly comprising; a centrally disposed stationary support a flange carried by said support and axially movable with respect to said support; said flange arranged for rotation about said support;

driven means connected to said flange and rotatable therewith to reciprocate said flange with respect to said support,

motor means to drive said driven means, and manually operated control means to operate said motor means in either of two directions to reciprocate said flange in either of two directions.

3. A reciprocating flange assembly comprising;

a spindle rotatable about a central axis of a stationary support;

a mounting ring affixed to the rotatable spindle,

a plurality of linear drive mechanisms carried by said mounting ring,

a disk-shaped radial flange connected to said linear drive mechanisms, and reciprocable with respect to the axis of rotation of said spindle,

means for driving said linear drive mechanisms in synchronization to move said flange,

electrical control means to operate said drive means in one direction to move said flange in one direction and in the opposite direction to move said flange in the opposite direction.

4. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein three linear drive mechanisms are equally spaced about the periphery of said mounting ring.

5. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein said mounting ring comprises a substantially flat disk having a central hub adapted to be fixed to said spindle, and a plurality of openings near its periphery corresponding in number to the number of said linear drive mechanisms.

6. A flange assembly according to claim 5 wherein each of said linear drive mechanisms is affixed to said mounting ring on one side of a corresponding one of said openings and said radial flange being positioned on the other side of said openings.

7. A flange assembly according to claim 5 wherein each of said linear drive mechanisms comprises a support affixed at one end to said flange and extending through its associated opening, a nut affixed to the other end of said support, a screw rotatably carried by said mounting ring and engaging said nut whereby rotation of said screw moves said nut longitudinally Along said screw, and a driven sprocket fixed to said screw to rotate said screw.

8. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein said linear drive mechanism driving means comprises a sprocket affixed to each of said drive mechanisms, at least one eccentrically mounted, freely rotatable sprocket arranged about the periphery of said mounting ring, an endless chain entrained about a portion of the peripheries of said sprockets, an electric, reversible motor drivingly connected to said chain, whereby movement of said chain by said motor in one direction rotates said sprockets in one direction and movement of said chain in the opposite direction rotates said sprockets in the opposite direction.

9. A flange assembly accordlng to claim 3 wherein said electrical control means comprises a power supply carried by said mounting ring and adapted to supply power to said drive means, relay means connecting said power supply to opposite sides of said drive means, two pairs of contact rings adapted to be bridged to trigger said relay means, whereby bridging of one pair of contact rings triggers one relay thereby driving said drive means in one direction, and bridging of the other pair of contact rings triggers the other relay means thereby driving said drive means in the opposite direction.

10. A flange assembly according to claim 9 wherein said power supply means comprises a plurality of batteries connected in series, a rotary generator connected to said batteries, a voltage regulator for said generator, a rotatable drive wheel operatively connected to said generator, said drive wheel being maintained in contact with said stationary shaft and being rotatable by rotation of said mounting ring.

11. A flange assembly according to claim 9 including a cover member afiixed at one end to said mounting ring, a ring member affixed to the other end of said cover member and extending radially therefrom, one pair of said contact rings being on one side of said radial ring member and the other pair of said contact rings being on the other side of said radial ring member.

12. In winding apparatus of the type having a support, a spindle carried by said support for rotation about a predetermined axis, and means for rotating said spindle; the improvement comprising,

a flange extending substantially radially of said spindle,

and means mounting said flange on said spindle for rotation therewith and for limited axial movement relative thereto,

said mounting means including means rotatable with said spindle and operable during rotation of said spindle for moving said flange axially thereof.

13. Winding apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said mounting means includes electrical control means operable during rotation of said spindle to control the axial movement of said flange. 

1. A reciprocable flange assembly comprising; a stationary support having a central axis; a spindle rotatable about said axis; a flange supported on said spindle; means for rotating said flange about said axis, means carried by said flange and rotating therewith for moving said flange longitudinally with respect to said spindle, and manually operated electrical control means to operate said moving means.
 2. An axially movable flange assembly comprising; a centrally disposed stationary support a flange carried by said support and axially movable with respect to said support; said flange arranged for rotation about said support; driven means connected to said flange and rotatable therewith to reciprocate said flange with respect to said support, motor means to drive said driven means, and manually operated control means to operate said motor means in either of two directions to reciprocate said flange in either of two directions.
 3. A reciprocating flange assembly comprising; a spindle rotatable about a central axis of a stationary support; a mounting ring affixed to the rotatable spindle, a plurality of linear drive mechanisms carried by said mounting ring, a disk-shaped radial flange connected to said linear drive mechanisms, and reciprocable with respect to the axis of rotation of said spindle, means for driving said linear drive mechanisms in synchronization to move said flange, electrical control means to operate said drive means in one direction to move said flange in one direction and in the opposite direction to move said flange in the opposite direction.
 4. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein three linear drive mechanisms are equally spaced about the periphery of said mounting ring.
 5. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein said mounting ring comprises a substantially flat disk having a central hub adapted to be Fixed to said spindle, and a plurality of openings near its periphery corresponding in number to the number of said linear drive mechanisms.
 6. A flange assembly according to claim 5 wherein each of said linear drive mechanisms is affixed to said mounting ring on one side of a corresponding one of said openings and said radial flange being positioned on the other side of said openings.
 7. A flange assembly according to claim 5 wherein each of said linear drive mechanisms comprises a support affixed at one end to said flange and extending through its associated opening, a nut affixed to the other end of said support, a screw rotatably carried by said mounting ring and engaging said nut whereby rotation of said screw moves said nut longitudinally Along said screw, and a driven sprocket fixed to said screw to rotate said screw.
 8. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein said linear drive mechanism driving means comprises a sprocket affixed to each of said drive mechanisms, at least one eccentrically mounted, freely rotatable sprocket arranged about the periphery of said mounting ring, an endless chain entrained about a portion of the peripheries of said sprockets, an electric, reversible motor drivingly connected to said chain, whereby movement of said chain by said motor in one direction rotates said sprockets in one direction and movement of said chain in the opposite direction rotates said sprockets in the opposite direction.
 9. A flange assembly according to claim 3 wherein said electrical control means comprises a power supply carried by said mounting ring and adapted to supply power to said drive means, relay means connecting said power supply to opposite sides of said drive means, two pairs of contact rings adapted to be bridged to trigger said relay means, whereby bridging of one pair of contact rings triggers one relay thereby driving said drive means in one direction, and bridging of the other pair of contact rings triggers the other relay means thereby driving said drive means in the opposite direction.
 10. A flange assembly according to claim 9 wherein said power supply means comprises a plurality of batteries connected in series, a rotary generator connected to said batteries, a voltage regulator for said generator, a rotatable drive wheel operatively connected to said generator, said drive wheel being maintained in contact with said stationary shaft and being rotatable by rotation of said mounting ring.
 11. A flange assembly according to claim 9 including a cover member affixed at one end to said mounting ring, a ring member affixed to the other end of said cover member and extending radially therefrom, one pair of said contact rings being on one side of said radial ring member and the other pair of said contact rings being on the other side of said radial ring member.
 12. In winding apparatus of the type having a support, a spindle carried by said support for rotation about a predetermined axis, and means for rotating said spindle; the improvement comprising, a flange extending substantially radially of said spindle, and means mounting said flange on said spindle for rotation therewith and for limited axial movement relative thereto, said mounting means including means rotatable with said spindle and operable during rotation of said spindle for moving said flange axially thereof.
 13. Winding apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said mounting means includes electrical control means operable during rotation of said spindle to control the axial movement of said flange. 